School system

Schooling is available to children from five years old, and is compulsory from ages six to 16.

In 2004, the average teacher to student classroom ratios ranged from 1:19 to 1:24 across the various year levels and school types.

The New Zealand school year usually runs from the end of January to mid-December, and is divided into four terms. Both single-sex and coeducational schooling options are available and state (public) schools are secular.

Primary education starts at Year 1 and continues until Year 8, with Years 7 and 8 mostly offered at either a primary or a separate intermediate school.

Secondary education covers Years 9 to 13, (during which students are generally aged 13 to 17). Most secondary students in New Zealand attend Government-funded schools. These are called secondary schools, high schools, colleges or area schools.

Most schools are taught in English, but some schools teach in Maori.

Universities

New Zealand's higher education offers a wide range of degree, diploma and certificate courses in many fields that equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the global marketplace.

New Zealand universities are internationally recognized, their qualifications are respected, and students studying there will benefit from full immersion in the English language. There are seven state-funded universities in New Zealand

If you are interested in information on study visas for university aged students, please visit the information in our New Zealand study visa section.